Daniela
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! I'm from Brazil and I absolutely loved Salt to the Sea. I would like to know how was it like to write about the war by a perspective of four different refugees and people fleeing to survive and also a German whi believed in Hitler's ideology and which one was the most difficult?
Ruta Sepetys
Hello Daniela!
I hope all is well in Brazil. Thank you for reading "Salt to the Sea."
In terms of the different perspectives - when I was researching the novel I was reminded of how many regions and countries were affected and suffered during the evacuation. When I interviewed people from those different countries, I realized that every human being views history through their own cultural lens so I created characters who would give voice to a particular regional experience and allow the reader to look through their "lens."
The most difficult character to create was Emilia. She is a nuanced character and I wanted to show her depth - even as a young girl.
Thanks for asking!
I hope all is well in Brazil. Thank you for reading "Salt to the Sea."
In terms of the different perspectives - when I was researching the novel I was reminded of how many regions and countries were affected and suffered during the evacuation. When I interviewed people from those different countries, I realized that every human being views history through their own cultural lens so I created characters who would give voice to a particular regional experience and allow the reader to look through their "lens."
The most difficult character to create was Emilia. She is a nuanced character and I wanted to show her depth - even as a young girl.
Thanks for asking!
More Answered Questions
Alisa H
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Met you in STL during your book tour! I am a refugee from Bosnia and you asked me to share my story--HOW DO YOU GET THE COURAGE TO DO SO?! Writing about events that impacted your life and are still very much alive today in people all around you--how do you gather up the strength to tell those stories without fear for those same people who whispered the words?
Wendy Kendall
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta, Thank you for taking questions. I so enjoyed Out of the Easy. The characters were amazing and the descriptions lifted me out of my life for awhile, and gave me a real feel for the people and place. Your dialog and also your text read almost lyrically. I was wondering if you have any musical background or inspiration in your writing? I'm looking forward to now reading more of your books. Wendy
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more